Tag: Advent
It came upon the midnight clear
What has Bethlehem to do with Babel?
In the bleak midwinter
What does it mean to “give my heart”?
Cradled in a manger meanly
For those who have winter but no Christmas!
As with gladness
Today’s carol looks at the Wise men. We have their example and that of Herod or the religious leaders. Intellectual curiosity if that Jealous, defensive scheming Wonder and worship How do we respond to Jesus? 1 As with gladness men of olddid the guiding star behold,as with joy they hailed its light,leading onward, beaming bright:so,… Continue reading As with gladness
Magnetic Jesus – The first Noel
With a shout out to the brilliant Rich Pitt and Rachel Martin who drew our attention to the magnetic Jesus who draws disparate people together at the Church Central South Carol service …. 1 The first nowell the angel did saywas to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;in fields where they lay keeping their… Continue reading Magnetic Jesus – The first Noel
God and sinners reconciled (Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
We’re coming to the big hitters now in our Christmas Carol series! 1 Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King:peace on earth, and mercy mild,God and sinners reconciled!”Joyful, all ye nations, rise,join the triumph of the skies;with th’angelic hosts proclaim,“Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Refrain:Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King”… Continue reading God and sinners reconciled (Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
The wondrous gift (Oh Little Town of Bethlehem)
Was it really silent, peaceful and still in Bethlehem on the first Christmas night? If not, what are the carols getting at? O little town of Bethlehem,how still we see thee lie!Above thy deep and dreamless sleepthe silent stars go by;yet in thy dark streets shineththe everlasting light.The hopes and fears of all the yearsare… Continue reading The wondrous gift (Oh Little Town of Bethlehem)
Adore
A couple of years back I picked up a Christmas album by Chris Tomlin. It included traditional carols -some with new settings and additional lyrics and a few completely new carols. The title track “Adore” was a new carol by Graham Kendrick. It quickly became a favourite for Sarah and me as well as many… Continue reading Adore
Jesus joy of the highest heaven/what child is this?
Today we’re looking at two carols. The first is a contemporary children’s carol by Keith and Kristyn Getty “Jesus, joy the highest heaven.” The second is a little more traditional “What child is this?” It’s antiphonal in style allowing for parts to be sung with some asking the questions and others responding. It’s usually set… Continue reading Jesus joy of the highest heaven/what child is this?
Faithroots 